The challenges faced by national parliaments and governments in the region are enormous given the rising demands of citizens and the unpredictable effects and impacts of globalization. It is the aim in this strategic plan for the period, 2011- 2015, to make sure that the SADC-Parliamentary Forum membership develop capacity and confi dence to cope with the challenges. In doing so, the Forum will assist parliaments through leadership development, training, research, best practice and information sharing, improved cooperation, timely documentation and advisory services, quality publications, and legislative support to perform their oversight, legislative, representational and advocacy roles more effectively and to exercise responsible stewardship over public resources.

Through this strategic plan, the Forum’s broader membership, management and stakeholdership have articulated a realistic set of strategies and programmes to achieve the mandate given to it by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in 1997. These programmes have been divided into four strategic thematic areas to provide clarity and focus, and to facilitate better resource utilization, improved effi ciency and accountability. As the SADC-PF moves toward its ultimate goal of being transformed into the Region’s Parliament, it is expected that Member Parliaments and parliamentarians will play their part to see that the processes and commitments are kept on track. As the incumbent chairperson of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, I share a certain delight and enthusiasm as we move this 5-Year Strategic Plan into implementation mode.

I look forward with great hope to the Forum’s timely transformation, and between and then, to its strong performance, positive results and outstanding achievements.